We used rubber rings and metal lids when I was a kid. The rubber wore out after about two years, and often got brittle while they were on the jar and the contents of the jar would spoil. The idea is nice, but they don't work well. There is a reason that once canning was invented, the rubber rings went out of style fairly quickly.

I just bought a bunch of these a few months ago. I haven't used them yet, but I have a friend who is a big-time canner, and she recommended them to me. She's been using them for about five years, and she says you get about 4-5 uses out of the rubber rings before you have to replace them. Replacing the rubber rings every few years is a lot cheaper than buying new lids every two years (I can get about two uses out of the standard lids before the suction goes bad). Not to mention regular lids are not BPA-free.

A variety of opinions and ideas are shared on GCM. Personal experiences, suggestions, and tips found here are in no way intended to substitute for medical counsel from a healthcare professional. Always use your own good judgement and seek professional advice when in doubt about a health concern.